Operating device for game machine

ABSTRACT

An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body and first and second finger-manipulatable operating units positioned symmetrically on the main body. The operating device may include first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the main body, with the first and second operating units being positioned adjacent the first and second grips. The operating device may further include vibration-imparting units for imparting vibrations to the user&#39;s hands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/074,921 filed Mar. 6, 2008, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/076,490 filed Mar. 9, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,851, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/687,372 filed Oct. 16, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,158, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/818,363 filed Mar. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,426, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/091,121 filed Sep. 24, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,444, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Application Ser. No. 09/091,121 is a national stage entry of PCT/JP97/01274 filed Apr. 11, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an operating device used in a game machine employing a display device for, for example, a television receiver. More particularly, it relates to an operating device controlling the operation of rotating a display character displayed on a display screen, continuously changing its speed of movement or deforming the display character.

Heretofore, a game machine employing a television receiver has a main body portion connected to the television receiver used as a display device, and an operating device connected to this main body portion of the game machine over a connection cable for controlling the display character displayed on the display screen of the television receiver.

The main body portion of the game machine has enclosed therein a disc driving unit for reproducing an optical disc as a recording medium carrying a recorded game program and a picture processing device for displaying the display character along with a background scene on the screen of the television receiver in accordance with the game program recorded on the optical disc.

Plural operating buttons are arranged in the operating device connected to the main body portion of the game machine. The user operates these operating buttons provided on the operating device for entering to the picture processing device the command information concerning the movement of the display character displayed on the display screen of the television receiver for controlling the direction of movement of the display character in accordance with the command information for carrying out the game.

The operating device used in this sort of the game machine is used by being gripped with hand or finger. That is, such operating device is used which has, on its one side, a direction command operating unit including a cross-shaped or circular direction command operating button and which also has, on its other side, a function setting unit including plural function setting/executing buttons for setting or executing the operating functions of the display characters. The direction command operator includes four switches arranged at right angles to one another and having operating units adapted for being contacted with or moved away from associated contacts. These switches are selectively turned on and off by the cross-shaped or circular direction command operating buttons for moving the display characters. For example, the display character is moved in a direction along which is arrayed the one of the four switches that has been turned on. The function setting/executing unit has switches arranged in association with the plural function setting/executing buttons. By turning on the switch associated with the function setting/executing button, the function of the display character allocated to the button is set or the function proper to the display character is executed.

Since the direction command operating unit of the operating device simply affords a command signal for moving the display character in a direction along which is arrayed the one of the four switches arranged at right angle to each other, the operating unit cannot issue the command information of rotating the display character as it is advanced, or of changing the line of sight of the display character. The result is that difficulties are encountered in constructing the game program employing a display character performing variegated movements.

On the other hand, since the switches making up the direction command operating unit merely issue the command information of controlling the movement of the display character by being turned on and off by actuation of the direction command operating buttons, the display character performs intermittent movements, while being unable to perform a series of continuous movements.

Thus, such an operating device has been proposed having an operating unit to which can be entered a command signal enabling the display character to be moved as it rotates or as it changes its speed or enabling the display character to change its form or configuration.

An operating device of this type has been disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 7-88252.

However, if a large number of operating units are provided in the operating device, it becomes difficult to smoothly select the operating units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An operating device for a game machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface between the front and rear sides; first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the rear side of the main body, each of the front and second grips having a first end connected to the main body and a free end; and first and second finger-manipulatable operating units mounted on the top surface of the main body. Each of the first and second operating units has an operating shaft which is pivotable relative to the main body so that, when the first grip is gripped by a right hand of a user and the second grip is gripped by a left hand of the user, the first and second operating units can be manipulated simultaneously by the thumb fingers of the user. The first and second operating units may be positioned symmetrically on the main body relative to a centerline of the main body passing between the first and second grips. The operating device may further include third and fourth operating units arranged on the front side of the main body such that the third and fourth operating units are farther from the torso of the user than the first and second operating units in a use position of the operating device, each of the third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, the third and fourth operating units being actuated by pressing in a direction from the front side of the main body toward the rear side of the main body and substantially parallel to the top surface.

An operating device for a game machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface between the front and rear sides; and first and second finger-manipulatable operating units mounted on the top surface of the main body, each of the first and second operating units having an operating shaft which is pivotable relative to the main body, the first and second operating units being manipulatable simultaneously by thumb fingers of a user when the user is using the operating device. The operating device may include first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the rear side of the main body, and the first and second operating units may be positioned symmetrically on the main body relative to a centerline of the main body passing between the first and second grips. The operating device may further include third and fourth operating units arranged on the front side of the main body such that the third and fourth operating units are farther from the torso of the user than the first and second operating units in a use position of the operating device, each of the third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, the third and fourth operating units being actuated by pressing in a direction from the front side of the main body toward the rear side of the main body and substantially parallel to the top surface.

An operating device for a game machine in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface between the front and rear sides; and first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the rear side of the main body, each of the first and second grips having a first end connected to the main body and a free end. First and second finger-manipulatable operating units are mounted to the top surface of the main body between the first and second grips, each of the first and second operating units having an operating shaft which is pivotable relative to the main body, the first operating unit being positioned adjacent the first end of the first grip and the second operating unit being positioned adjacent the first end of the second grip. The operating device may further include third and fourth operating units arranged on the front side of the main body such that the third and fourth operating units are farther from the torso of a user than the first and second operating units in a use position of the operating device, each of the third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, the third and fourth operating units being actuated by pressing in a direction from the front side of the main body toward the rear side of the main body and substantially parallel to the top surface.

An operating device for a game machine in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface which is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the operating device is in a use position. First and second grips project at spaced positions from the rear side of the main body, each of the first and second grips having a first end connected to the main body and a free end. First and second finger-manipulatable operating units are mounted to the top surface of the main body, each of the first and second operating units having an operating shaft which is pivotable relative to the main body, and each of the operating shafts having an operating end positioned higher than the top surface when the operating device is in the use position so that, when the first grip is gripped by a right hand of a user and the second grip is gripped by a left hand of the user in the use position, the thumbs of the user can be raised to operate the first and second operating units. The operating device may further include third and fourth operating units arranged on the front side of the main body such that the third and fourth operating units are farther from the torso of the user than the first and second operating units in the use position of the operating device, each of the third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, the third and fourth operating units being actuated by pressing in a direction from the front side of the main body toward the rear side of the main body and substantially parallel to the top surface.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a game machine, the game machine including a main unit for reading a game program; and an operating device interconnected with the main unit. The operating device may have the structure of any one of the operating devices whose embodiments are described above.

In variants of the game machines, the first and second grips and the main body collectively may generally define a U-shape in a plane when viewed in a direction normal to the plane, the U-shape defining an empty space between the first and second grips when viewed in the direction normal to the plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an operating device for a game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operating device for a game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back side view of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right-hand side view of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a left-hand side view of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state of use of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the state of use of the operating device for the game machine shown in FIG. 1, with the operating device being mounted on a mounting surface.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing essential portions of the first operating unit.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the first operating unit.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the inoperative state of first to fourth thrusting operators making up the first operating unit.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the second thrusting operator of the first operating unit being thrust.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the second thrusting operator of the first operating unit having been thrust.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-directional input device making up third and fourth operating units.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-directional input device with an operating shaft in its initial state.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-directional input device with the operating shaft having been rotated.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-directional input device showing the state of operating a thrusting type switch element.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-directional input device showing the state of the thrusting type switch element having been operated.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing a vibration imparting mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the state in which the vibrating imparting mechanism has been built in the main body portion of the game machine.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the state in which the operating device for the game machine according to the present invention has been connected to the main body portion of the game machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, an operating device for a game machine according to the present invention will be explained in detail.

The operating device for the game machine is connected to a main body portion of the game machine for controlling the operation of the present game machine for executing the game software recorded on an optical disc. The main body portion of the game machine has enclosed therein a disc driving unit for reproducing an optical disc as a recording medium having a game program recorded thereon and a picture processing unit for displaying a display character along with a background picture on the screen of a television receiver in accordance with a game program recorded on the optical disc.

The operating device 1 for the game machine according to the present invention includes a main body portion 4 made up of an upper half 2 and a lower half 3 abutted and secured to each other such as with set-screws, as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first grip portion 5 and a second grip portion 6 are protuberantly formed on the lateral surface on both ends of the main body portion 4 so that, when the device 1 is connected to the main body portion of the game machine for playing the game, the grip portions 5, 6 will be gripped by being held in their entirety with the user's palms. These first and second grip portions are progressively spaced apart from each other towards their distal ends while being directed downwardly of the main body portion 4, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. For enabling the gripping over an extended time, the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are tapered from their connection to the main body portion 4, while being arcuately shaped on the peripheral surfaces and on the distal ends thereof, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6.

On one end side of the main body portion 4 is mounted a first operating unit 9 having first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion 4 at right angles to each other, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d making up the first operating unit 9 are unified to a rotation actuating member 10 having its center portion supported for rotation and are arrayed at right angles to one another about the center of rotation of the rotation actuating member 10. That is, the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d making up the first operating unit 9 are connected as one to one another. The first operator 9 is provided with switch devices, as signal input devices, in association with the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d. The first operator 9 operates as a direction command controller controlling the movement of the display character, such that, by selectively actuating the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d and by selectively turning on/off the switch devices associated with the thrusting operators, the display character is moved in the arraying direction of the thrust operator 8 a, 8 b, 8 c or 8 d.

On the opposite side of the main body portion 4 is mounted a second operating unit 12 having protuberant first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d arrayed at right angles to one another. These first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d are formed as independent members and switch devices as signal input devices are mounted in association with these thrusting operators 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d. By turning on the switch devices associated with the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d, the second operating unit 12 sets the functions of the display character allocated to the thrusting operators 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d or executes the functions of the display character, the second operating unit 12 thus operating as a function setting and/or executing section.

The operating device 1 of the present invention has third and fourth operating units 14, 15 on the proximal sides of the first and second grip portions 5, 6 where they connect to main body portion 4. Each of these third and fourth operating devices 14, 15 includes a rotation member 16 rotatable in a 360° direction about a pivot 16 a as the center of rotation and a signal input element, such as a variable resistance element, operated by this rotation member 16. Specifically, the rotation member 16 is mounted towards the distal end of a pivot 16 a mounted so as to be reset to its neutral position by a biasing member and is rotated in a 360° direction about the pivot 16 a as center of rotation. These third and fourth operating units 14, 15 are used for enabling inputting of a command signal for enabling analog movements such as combined rotation and linear movement, linear movement with a variable speed or change of the configuration of the display character by rotational operation of the rotation member 16.

On the left and right ends towards the front side of the main body portion 4 opposite to its back side from which are protruded the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are arranged fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18. These fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18 include first and second thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b, respectively. These thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b are associated with switch devices. By turning on the switch associated with the first and second thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b, the fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18 set the function of the display character allocated to the thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b or execute the functions owned by the display character, the fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18 thus operating as function setting and/or executing sections.

Between the first operating unit 9 and the second operating unit 12 on the upper surface of the main body portion 4 are mounted, side-by-side, a start switch 22 for commanding start of a game and a selection switch 23 for selecting, at the time of starting the game, the degree of ease or difficulty with which the game is played. Between the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 on the upper surface of the main body portion 4 are mounted a mode selection switch 24 for selecting the operating mode of the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 and a display unit 25 for displaying the state of the operating mode of the third and fourth operating units 14, 15. This display unit 25 is constituted by a light emitting device, such as light emitting diode. By switching the mode selection switch 24, an operating mode enabling the inputting of a command signal from the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 or an operating mode inhibiting the inputting of the command signal from the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 is selected. In addition, an operating mode is selected which enables inputting of a command signal from the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 and which has switched the functions of the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d and the functions of the first and second thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b, 20 a, 20 b of the fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18. Depending on the states of the operating modes, the display unit 25 is turned on and off, with switching of the display light.

In the lower surface of the main body portion 4 are formed engagement recesses 26, 27 engaged by a portion of left and right fingers Lf, Rf when the first and/or second grip portions 5, 6 are gripped by these fingers, as shown in FIG. 7. These engagement recesses 26, 27 are formed as smoothly curved reentrant portions, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In register with the engagement recesses 26, 27 on the front side of the main body portion 4 are formed depending finger supports 28, 29, as also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, the finger supports 28, 29 are protruded from the lower ends of protuberant portions 31, 32 on both ends on the front side of the main body portion 4 carrying the fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18.

With the above-described operating device of the present invention, in which the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are protuberantly formed on the main body portion 4, since the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are held by being entirely wrapped with both palms, there is no necessity of supporting the main body portion 4 with fingers, such that the operating device can be gripped in such a state that ten fingers at the maximum and six fingers in the least of both hands can be moved freely. If, for example, the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are gripped as they are wrapped entirely with both palms, both thumb fingers Lf1, Rf1 of left and right hands can be extended over rotation members 16 of the third and fourth operating units 14, 15, and over the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d of the first operating unit 9 and the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d of the second operating unit 12 to enable selective thrusting of the rotation member 16, thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d and thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d. In particular, since the rotation members 16 of the third and fourth operating units 14, 15 are arranged facing the proximal ends which are coupling sides to the main body portion 4 of the first and second grip portions 5, 6 gripped by being entirely enclosed by both palms, the rotation members 16 lie closest to the thumb fingers Rf1, Lf1 when the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are gripped by left and right hands. Thus, the rotation members 16 can be turned easily with the thumb fingers Rf1, Lf1.

Also, when the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are gripped by being entirely enclosed by both palms, as shown in FIG. 7, the index fingers Rf2, Lf2 and second fingers Rf3, Lf3 of both hands can be extended to positions enabling selective thrusting of the first and second thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b of the fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18.

Thus, when the operating device 1 is gripped by both hands, the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are enclosed with both palms and both third fingers Lf4, Rf4 and/or little fingers Lf5, Rf5 of left and right hands can be engaged in the engagement recesses 26, 27 and set on the finger supports 28, 29, so that the main body portion 4 can be gripped in position. Since the fingers can be set in position on the first to sixth grip portions 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18, correct operations can be realized.

Instead of being gripped by hand and fingers, the operating device 1 can also be set on a planar setting surface 5, such as a table, as shown in FIG. 8. The operating device 1 is designed so that, if the device 1 is set on the setting surface S with the distal ends of the first and second grip portions 5, 6 and the distal ends of the finger supports 28, 29 as supports, the operating surfaces of the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d of the first operating unit 9 and of the first to fourth operators 11 a to 11 d of the second operating unit 12 will be substantially parallel to the setting surface S. Thus the operating device 1 can be set on the planar setting surface S and, with the palms set on the first and second grip portions 5, 6, the first to sixth operators 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 can be manipulated with free fingers.

The first operating unit 9 of the operating device 1 is explained in further detail. Referring to FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the first operating unit 9 is designed so that the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d formed on a rotation actuating member 10 protrude into a substantially cross-shaped recess 30 towards one end of the upper surface of the main body portion 4. On upper, lower, left and right ends of the cross-shaped recess 30 are formed bearing indicators 31 a, 31 b, 31 c and 31 d on the inner sides of which are formed four apertures 32 at right angles to one another for allowing the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d to protrude towards the upper side of the main body portion 4. At a mid portion surrounded by these apertures 32 is formed a center support boss 33 for supporting the center of the upper surface of the rotation actuating member 10. This center support boss 33 is formed as one with the inner upper surface of the main body portion 4. Facing the rotation actuating member 10 is mounted an elastic member 35 having four movable contacts 34 actuated by the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d. At the center of the elastic member 35 is held a spherically-shaped fulcrum element 36, such as a stainless steel ball, for supporting the center of the bottom surface of the rotation actuating member 10. Facing the elastic member 35 is arranged a circuit board 38 having four fixed contacts 37 associated with movable contacts 34.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the rotation actuating member 10 constituting the first operating unit 9 includes a circular-shaped base portion 39, first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d formed as one on an upper portion of the base portion 39, a spherically-shaped first recess 41, a spherically-shaped second recess 42 and a contact guide 43. The first recess 41 is formed on the bottom surface of the center portion of the base portion 39 for engaging with the spherical surface of the fulcrum element 36, while the second recess 42 is formed on the upper surface of the center portion of the base portion 39 for engaging with the center support boss 33. The contact guide 43 is protuberantly formed on the lower surface of the base portion 39 for thrusting the back side of the movable contacts 34 of the elastic member 35. Referring to FIG. 9, the four thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d, formed as one with the rotation actuating member 10, are formed on the upper surface of the base portion 39 so as to have facing ends tapered and so as to be thicker from the center towards the outer sides, and protrude from the upper surface side of the main body portion 4 via the respective apertures 32.

The elastic member 35 is sandwiched between the circuit board 38 and the rotation actuating member 10 and includes four movable rubber contacts 34 in association with the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d.

The fulcrum element 36 is spherically-shaped and is arranged at a central portion of the rotation actuating member 10 in register with the center support boss 33 so as to be engaged in the first recess 41 formed at the center of the rotation actuating member 10.

When the rotation actuating member 10 is arranged in the main body portion 4, the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d are arranged radially with the center support boss 33 as a center and are gradually increased in height from the facing ends towards the opposite outer ends. Thus, when the fingertip is set on the center portion of the recess 30 surrounded by the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d, the relative position of the latter can be easily discerned by the tactile feel at the fingertip and by the step difference between the center portion and the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d. Moreover, if the fingertip is shifted during the switch operation from the center portion towards the outer side of the recess 30, it can be easily discerned by the tactile feel at the fingertip which of the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d is being thrust.

In the above-described structure of the first operating unit 9, if none of the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d is thrust, the rotation actuating member 10 is raised via the contact guide 43, under the bias of the elastic member 35, with the center support boss 33 becoming engaged in the spherically-shaped second recess 42 of the rotation actuating member 10. Simultaneously, the peripheral portion of the circular-shaped base portion 39 is retained by the ends of the apertures 32, so that the rotation actuating member 10 is retained in an initial position in which the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d protrude beyond the upper surface of the main body portion 4.

If, with the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d in the initial position, the third thrusting operator 8 c is thrust in the direction of arrows A or B in FIG. 12, the rotation actuating member 10 is rotated in a direction indicated by arrow R1 or towards the right in FIG. 12, as the first recess 41 is rotated on the spherical surface of the fulcrum element 36, with the elastic member 35 being thrust downwards by the third thrusting operator 8 c. If the third thrusting operator 8 c is thrust further, the rotation actuating member 10 is further rotated in the direction of arrow R1, with the fulcrum element 36 as the center of rotation, as shown in FIG. 13, for establishing electrical connection by the movable contact 34 being contacted with the underlying fixed contact 37.

If the thrusting on the third thrusting operator 8 c is released, the first recess 41 is moved in a direction away from the fulcrum element 36, with which it has so far been in contact, under the bias of the elastic member 35. That is, the third thrusting operator 8 c is rotated in the direction of arrow R2 in FIG. 13 for spacing the movable contact 34 away from the fixed contact 37. If the third thrusting operator 8 c is rotated further in the direction indicated by arrow R2 in FIG. 13, until the center support boss 33 is engaged with the second recess 42, the rotation actuating member 10 is reset to the initial position shown in FIG. 11.

On the other hand, if the first thrusting operator 8 a is thrust towards the front side of the main body portion 4 as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 10, the elastic member 35 is deformed under its own elasticity so that, as the first recess 41 is rotated on the spherical surface of the fulcrum element 36, the first thrusting operator Sa is moved in a direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 10 for realizing a switching operation by the movable contact 34 contacting the underlying fixed contact 37.

The movable contact 34 and the underlying fixed contact 37 make up a switch device and the switch on/off operation takes place by the movable contact 34 being contacted with or displaced away from the underlying fixed contact 37 to permit inputting of a command signal for, for example, moving the display character.

In the operation of the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d of the first operating unit 9, since the fulcrum point is formed by relative engagement of the spherically-shaped fulcrum element 36 and the spherically-shaped first recess 41, the contact between the spherically-shaped surfaces is exploited for varying the stroke of the rotation actuating member 10 for realizing the switching operation. Moreover, the thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d are arranged in a segmented manner on the main body portion 4, the direction of thrusting the first to fourth thrusting operators 8 a to 8 d is not limited in a fixed direction but the smooth switching operation may be realized by actuation from any arbitrary direction to prevent vibrations of the rotation actuating member 10 or shifting or distortion of the center position for improving operating characteristics.

The second operating unit 12 of the operating device 1 will be explained in further detail. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second operating unit 12 has a substantially cross-shaped recess 53 on the opposite side end on the upper surface of the main body portion 4 and apertures 52 are formed at upper, lower, left and right ends of the recess 53. The first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d making up the second operating unit 12 are arranged on the main body portion 4 so that the distal ends thereof protrude from the upper surface of the main body portion 4. Within the inside of the main body portion 4 are arranged switch devices actuated by the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d. These switch devices are turned on or off by thrusting the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d for entering a command signal for setting the functions or executing the operations of the display character.

On the distal end faces of the first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d are inscribed symbols indicating the functions of the thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d, such as □, X, ◯ or Δ. In the present embodiment, the first thrusting operator 8 a, second thrusting operator 11 b, third thrusting operator 11 c and the fourth thrusting operator 11 d are affixed with the symbols Δ, □, X and ◯, respectively. Specifically, the third thrusting operator 11 c and the fourth thrusting operator 11 d, disposed towards the second grip portion 6 for facilitating the manipulation by the thumb finger, are reserved for entering command signals, such as “YES” or “NO”, frequently used in playing the game. The third thrusting operator 11 c and the fourth thrusting operator 11 d therefore are affixed with marks ◯ and X corresponding to the commands of “YES” and “NO”, respectively.

Thus, in the operating device 1 designed to have a large number of operating units, the third and fourth thrusting operators 11 c and 11 d are placed at such positions as to permit facilitated manipulation to improve operability of the smallest number of thrusting operators required in playing the game.

The first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d may be designed to display the respective functions by colors. That is, these first to fourth thrusting operators 11 a to 11 d may be of different colors for displaying their functions.

The third and fourth operating units 14 and 15 will now be explained. Referring to FIG. 1, these third and fourth operating units 14 and 15 are arranged on substantially cylindrically-shaped mounting portions 47, 48 at corner portions of the connection of the proximal ends of the first and second grip portions 5, 6 to the main body portion 4.

Since the third and fourth operating units 14 and 15 are of the same structure, the third operating unit 14 only is explained.

The third operating unit 14 has a multi-directional input device as shown in FIG. 14. This multi-directional input device has a box-shaped upper frame 50 and an arched first interlock member 51, as shown in FIG. 14. This interlock member 51 has its warped end 52 engaged by a rotational shaft 54 of a first variable resistor 53 a constituting a rotary detector secured to a lateral side 50 a of the upper frame 50. The interlock member 51 has on its opposite warped end 52 a boss 55 loosely fitted in an opening 56 formed in a lateral side 50 b facing the lateral side 50 a of the frame 50 for rotatably supporting the first interlock member 51 on the upper frame 50.

An operating shaft 57 is mounted at the center of the upper frame 50. This operating shaft 57 has a saucer-shaped operating member 58 and a disk 59 at its mid portion. This disk 59 has an orifice 60 and a rotation member 16 is mounted on the upper end of the operating shaft 57.

Within the upper frame 50 is arranged a second interlock member 62 extending at right angles to the operating shaft 57. The second interlock member 62 has a center ball 63 from which are transversely extended a pair of arms 64 a, 64 b. An elongated slot 65 extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of the ball 63. The operating shaft 57 and the disk 59 are inserted into the elongated slot 65. After registration of the orifice 60 in the disk 59 relative to a lateral side opening 66 in the ball 63, a pin 67 is inserted into the opening 66 and the orifice 60. The operating shaft is thus mounted on the second interlock member 62 for rotation in the elongated slot 65 with the pin 67 as the center of rotation.

The end of the arm 64 a of the second interlock member 62 is engaged with the rotary shaft 54 of the second variable resistor 53 b secured to a lateral side 50 c of the upper frame 50, while the end of the opposite side arm 64 b is fitted in an elongated opening 70 formed in the lateral side 50 d of the upper frame 50 so as to protrude outwardly from the lateral side 50 d of the upper frame 50. The operating shaft is passed through the elongated slot 71 in the first interlock member 51 so as to protrude outwardly via an opening 72 in the upper surface of the upper frame 50.

The operating shaft 57 is supported on a restoration member 73 having on its upper surface a recess 74 in which is rotatably housed the saucer-shaped operating member 58.

On the lower end side of the upper frame 50 is mounted a lower frame 75. The upper surface of the lower frame 75 is formed with a supporting wall section 77 for vertically movably housing a flange 76 of the restoration member 73. Between the bottom surface of the lower frame 75 and an outer peripheral edge 78 of the restoration member 73 is housed a spirally extending return spring 79. The restoration member 73 is biased upwards by this return spring 79. The end of the opposite side arm 64 b of the second interlock member 62 is pressed against the upper edge of the elongated opening 70 on the lateral surface 50 d of the upper frame 50. The second interlock member 62 is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 50 in a direction perpendicular to the first interlock member 51 below the first interlock member 51.

On the lateral side 50 d of the upper frame 50 is mounted a thrust type switch device 80 which has its state changed over by pressing a spring-biased thrusting operator 81 against the spring bias. The switch device 80 has a thrusting operator facing an end 82 of arm 64 b of the second interlock member 62. This end 82 protrudes in the same direction as a mounting leg 83 mounted on the lower edge of the upper frame and terminals 84 of first and second variable resistors 53 a, 53 b.

The operating states of the multi-directional inputting device are as follows:

If the user grips the rotation member 16 for rotating the operating shaft 57 in an arbitrary direction, the operating shaft 57 is rotated about the point of intersection of the second interlock member 62 and the pin 67 as the center of rotation. With rotation of the operating shaft 57, the first interlock member 51 and the second interlock member 62 are rotated and further the rotational shafts 54 of the first and second variable resistors 53 a, 53 b are rotated for adjusting the resistance values.

The automatic restoration operation of the operating shaft 57 is as follows:

In a neutral state in which the operating shaft 57 is not in operation, the operating shaft 57 is upstanding through opening 72 in the upper surface of the upper frame 50. The bottom surface of the operating member 58 compresses against the inner bottom surface of the restoration member 73 by the return spring 79. If the operating shaft 57 is tilted from this state in the clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 16, the flange 85, having an arcuate portion with a progressively increasing radius of curvature towards an outer side of the operating member 58, thrusts the restoration member 73 so that the restoration member 73 is moved downwards along the supporting wall section 77 of the lower frame 75 against the force of the return spring 79. If the operating force on the operating shaft 57 is released, the operating shaft 57 is reset to the neutral state shown in FIG. 15, that is to an upstanding position, under the bias of the return spring 79.

The operation of the switch device 80 is explained by referring to FIGS. 17 and 18.

In the non-operating state, the operating shaft 57 is in the position shown in FIG. 17 in which the end of the arm 64 b of the second interlock member 62 is spaced apart from the thrusting operator 51 of the switch device 80, with the end of the arm 64 b being pressed against the upper edge of the elongated opening 70 in the lateral side 50 d of the frame 50. If the operating shaft 57 is pressed downwards from this state, the end of the arm 64 b of the second interlock member 62 is moved downwards along the elongated opening 70, against the force of the return spring 79, with the engagement point of the arm 64 a with the rotary shaft 54 of the variable resistor 53 b as a fulcrum, until the end of the arm 64 b is retained by the lower edge of the elongated opening 70 operating as a stop. In the interim, the end of the arm 64 b thrusts the thrusting operator 81 of the switch device 80 downwards for changing over the state of the switch device 80. If the thrusting on the operating shaft 57 ceases, the end of the arm 64 b is reset to the state shown in FIG. 17, under the force of repulsion of the return spring 79, with the end of the arm 64 b being reset to the state of FIG. 17 in which it is abutted against the upper edge of the elongated slot 70. Meanwhile, the switch device 80 is operated even if the operating shaft 57 is thrust downwards when the actuating shaft 57 has been rotated in an optional direction.

Thus, by rotating the rotation member 16 for actuating the first and second variable resistors 53 a, 53 b, the third and fourth operators 14, 15 can issue the command information of continuously moving the display character with an accelerated movement, rotating the display character as it is advanced or varying the line of sight of the display character.

The fifth and sixth operating units 17, 18 arranged on the front side of the main body portion 4 are now explained.

The fifth and sixth operators 17, 18 are designed so that the first and second thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b, 20 a, 20 b arranged on both sides on the front side of the main body portion 4 protrude at the distal ends thereof from the front surface of the main body portion 4 through upper and lower pairs of apertures 91 arranged parallel to each other. Within the main body portion 4 are arranged switch devices in association with these thrusting operators 19 a, 19 b and 20 a, 20 b.

The operating device 1 of the present invention is provided with a vibration imparting mechanism 92 for imparting vibrations to the user so that the game will be played with a higher simulated reality feeling. This vibration imparting mechanism 92 is provided on the proximal end of the first grip portion 5 held by the left hand when the user grips the operating device 1. This vibration imparting mechanism 92 is made up of a driving motor 93 driven by a driving command signal supplied from the main body portion of the game machine and an offset member 95 mounted on a driving shaft 94 of the driving motor 93. The offset member 95 is formed by a metallic member of a large weight mass to constitute a semi-circular weight 95 a offset with respect to a fitting hole 96 into which is fitted the driving shaft 94 and which operates as a center of rotation. The driving motor 93, having the offset member 95 mounted on the driving shaft 94, is mounted by fitting the motor housing 98 in a fitting recess 97 in the form of a rectangular tube on the inner side of the first grip portion 5.

With the vibration imparting mechanism 92 constructed as described above, the driving motor 93 is driven for rotating the offset member 95, so that the driving motor 93 undergoes vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted via a peripheral wall section 97 a constituting the fitting recess 97 to the first grip portion 5 and thence transmitted to the hands and fingers gripping the grip portion 5.

The vibration imparting mechanism 92 may also be provided on the second grip portion 6.

The above-described operating device 1 for the game machine according to the present invention is connected to a main body portion 101 of the game machine, as shown in FIG. 21.

The operating device 1 is connected to the main body portion 101 of the game machine by a connection cord 102 extending from the mid portion on the front side of the main body portion 4. This connection cord 102 has an end connector 103 which connects the operating device 1 to the main body portion 101 of the game machine by connecting the connector 103 to a jack 104 provided on a lateral surface of the main body portion 101 of the game machine.

The main body portion 101 of the game machine is provided with plural jacks 104 for connection to plural operating devices 1.

The main body portion 101 of the game machine is provided with a disc driving unit 105 for reproducing an optical disc having recorded thereon game programs and a picture processing device for displaying the display character along with the background picture on a screen of a television receiver in accordance with the game program recorded on the optical disc. The main body portion 101 of the game machine is also provided with a reset switch 106 for resetting the game then going on, a power switch 107 and a lid opening button 109 for opening a lid 108 adapted for opening/closing a disc mounting portion of the disc driving unit.

The main body portion 101 of the game machine is connected to a television receiver as a display device for displaying the display character along with a background picture for the game.

With the above-described operating device 1 for the game machine according to the present invention, the user can operate the first to sixth operating units 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 or 18, using ten fingers at the maximum, as the first and second grip portions 5, 6 are held with both hands. The operating device for the game machine can also be operated with only one of the first and second grip portions 5, 6 gripped. That is, by properly actuating the first to sixth operating units 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 or 18, not only can the display character be moved horizontally, but also the display character can be rotated or moved with accelerated movements in meeting with the game with the three-dimensional spatial picture. Moreover, since vibrations can be imparted to the user, the game can be played with excellent simulated reality feeling.

Thus, by using the operating device 1 for the game machine according to the present invention, the display character can perform complex movements to carry out a game program with improved simulated reality feeling. For example, such a game can be played in which an airplane or a submarine is moved through a three-dimensional spacing.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. (canceled)
 2. An operating device for a game machine, comprising: a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface between the front and rear sides, the main body having a first area, a second area and a center area between the first area and the second area; a first finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the first area and a second finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the second area, each of the first and second operating units being movable relative to the main body so that, when the operating device is in a use position, the first and second operating units can be manipulated simultaneously by the thumb fingers of the user; and a first switch mounted in the center area for inputting a command which is not used to operate a character displayed on a display, set a function of a character displayed on a display, or execute a function assigned to a character displayed on a display.
 3. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first and second operating units is operable to control a character in a game.
 4. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the main body has a longitudinal axis, the first area is separated from the center area by a first imaginary line disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the second area is separated from the center area by a second imaginary line disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
 5. The operating device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first imaginary line passes through a center of the first operating unit and the second imaginary line passes through a center of the second operating unit.
 6. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first imaginary line through the first operating unit and the second operating unit defines an axis, the first area is separated from the center area by a second imaginary line disposed orthogonal to the axis, and the second area is separated from the center area by a third imaginary line disposed orthogonal to the axis.
 7. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first switch is operable to send a signal to start a game.
 8. the operating device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a second switch mounted in the central area.
 9. The operating device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second switch is operable to select a degree of difficulty for playing the game.
 10. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first switch is operable to select a degree of difficulty for playing a game.
 11. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising third and fourth operating units arranged on the front side of the main body such that the third and fourth operating units are farther from the torso of the user than the first and second operating units in the use position of the operating device, each of the third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, the third and fourth operating units being actuated by pressing in a direction from the front side of the main body toward the rear side of the main body and substantially parallel to the top surface.
 12. The operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first switch is operable to select a mode of operation of the first and second operating units.
 13. The operating device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a display unit operable to display the mode of operation.
 14. The operating device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the display unit is a light emitting diode.
 15. An operating device for a game machine, comprising: a main body having front and rear sides and a top surface between the front and rear sides, the main body having a first area, a second area and a center area between the first area and the second area; a first finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the first area and a second finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the second area, each of the first and second operating units being movable relative to the main body so that, when the operating device is in a use position, the first and second operating units can be manipulated simultaneously by the thumb fingers of the user; and a first switch mounted in the center area for inputting a command that does not cause displacement of a character displayed on a display.
 16. An operating device for a game machine, comprising: a main body having front and rear sides and top and bottom surfaces between the front and rear sides, the main body having a first area, a second area and a center area between the first area and the second area; a first finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the first area and a second finger-manipulatable operating unit mounted on the top surface of the main body in the second area, each of the first and second operating units having a shaft movable relative to the main body so that, when the operating device is in a use position, the first and second operating units can be manipulated simultaneously by the thumb fingers of the user; and a first switch mounted in the center area, the first switch being actuated by pressing in a direction from the top surface towards the bottom surface to generate a signal without pivoting movement of the switch. 